21 February 2025
Meet Mary Wade – she’s on a mission to ensure that all men diagnosed with prostate cancer across Victoria’s Mornington Peninsula, and their partners, have access to support.
Mary has recently stepped up as the new Chair of the Peninsula Prostate Cancer Support Group, after Winston Trood, who has served since 2017, handed over the reins.
The group is incorporated with a committee elected to manage its day-to-day affairs – with member Trevor Elliott also stepping up to support Mary and take on the role of Group Leader.
Mary commended Winston for his significant contribution to the group over the years, providing unwavering support, and always striving to raise awareness of prostate cancer.
“I’ve been involved in the group for six years after my husband was diagnosed with prostate cancer,” she said.
“The Peninsula group also have a big focus on partners and the extended family, so when Winston decided to step down, I decided to get involved further.
“My brother who is also on the committee initially dobbed me in – and I thought, why not?
“I think it’s really important to put your hand up and give back. If people don’t step up, things won’t keep moving forward.”
Mary said volunteering runs in her blood and is an important part of her life.
Moving into this next chapter, her vision for the group, as Chair, is to make people more aware of prostate cancer and where they can find support.
"Our group is about bringing people together, offering a place where men with prostate cancer and their families can find strength, knowledge, and community," Mary said.
"We want everyone to feel supported because prostate cancer is a journey that affects not just the patient but their loved ones as well."
All partners and carers are invited to join the group meetings, held on the second Wednesday of each month at Benton’s Square Community Centre in Mornington.
The group also hold an informal Partners and Carers Group regularly for a coffee and a chat to provide another opportunity for partners to access support.
“I learnt a lot going to the group meetings as a partner – it can really help you to understand what your partner is going through and how to support them,” Mary said.
"We have a range of guest speakers at meetings who cover important topics about prostate cancer, treatments, and managing side effects which provides members with helpful information.”
Mary said that the year is shaping up to be a big one, and she’s looking forward to sinking her teeth into the challenge ahead.
“We have big plans for the group this year with various guest speakers already lined up and a planned group tour of the new Bays Hospital Cancer Centre,” Mary added.
To find out more, please reach out to Mary via peninsulapcsg@hotmail.com.
Image above: PCFA's Community Engagement Manager, Southern Regions, Linley Watson, speaks to the Peninsula Prostate Cancer Support Group.
